A Taste of Chicago

Last week I really started to crave Mexican food. My colleague went to Colorado and was really nice to ask, (especially the expats) if we wanted anything from the States...Boy did I have a list for her.

The first two weeks when I arrived I started a running list of the things that I noticed where not available in London (Neutrogena skin wash, Dove Cherry Blossom Body Wash, Miracle Whip Light, Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce, Q-tips) that I had come to love in Chicago...Number one being Mexican food and the ingredients to make it.

I did some research before my move on what items I should bring. It was recommended that take Maseca to make corn tortillas (haa..I can just imagine myself making homemade tortillas), chipotle peppers because they can get expensive if you find it here, and your spices. Well I never leave home without my Adobo and Sazon so I was sure to pack that with me. Somehow the chipotle slipped my mind in the midst of packing up my life in 4 suitcases but I did pretty good.

Anyway, back to my colleague....She returned with Miracle Whip and BBQ Sauce. I was definately grateful but I still did not have my chipotle for Mexican food. So from that point, I was on a misson to find ingredients. I googled Mexican food in London and found a little stand that sells chipotle, tortillas, pinto beans at the Borough Market - http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/ The Borough Market is one of many fresh open markets throughout London. You could call it a Farmers Market. On the weekends, they are packed with the locals and tourists buying their fresh fruit and veg. They also have specialty stands that sell cheese, olives, homemade breads, empanadas, pastries, ready made curries or paella.

Over the course of Monday and Tuesday, I made my chicken using British chicken. Now I am not really sure what other chicken there would be in England but I think they feel the need to brand their chicken or meat as British. It's hilarious....I also made Mexican rice and beans. I took my time because usually it's a 2-3 hour ordeal, start to finish and I usually get home by 7:00p.m.

So here is my final assessment of the meal. The chicken is a lot flavorful here. I'm not sure what they do to their British chickens. ...So I think the freshness of the chicken made the dish really good. The chipotle in adobo sauce I bought was good but I tasted a little splash of vinegar in it which doesn't surprise me because the Brits use vinegar on many things. It was missing the deep smoky taste that I am used to buying but it was still really good. Mari sent me a can of Chicago chipotle with Vicky so I'll it soon enough.

I used long grain rice but I think the texture is different from the States. The rice wasn't bad but the grains were really big. I'll probably try a different type of rice. The torillas tasted better when I fried them into tostadas. I guess Chicago Mexican food will always be number one in my heart.

Overall it was a good meal and my friend Jason didn't get sick! :)